Video Game Review: Grandia III

Square Enix really knows how to dish out the best RPG's (role playing games) around. The newest game is Grandia III. If you loved the first 2 installments, you will more than likely enjoy this one as well.

The story starts in a peaceful village. A young man named Yuki dreams of building and flying an airplane. He is inspired to do this by the long forgotten Sky Captain Schmidt. Sky Captain Schmidt flew further and faster than anyone. This is what begins the story. Yuki achieves his dream and attempts to fly with his awfully young looking mother, Miranda, at his side. His path soon crosses with a young woman named Alfina and her evil brother, Emelious. Alfina is a Communicator. Apparently, she can talk to ancient God-like creatures. Lucky her.

Grandia III has a semi-real time battle system. You can perform aerial finishing moves and devastating attacks that combine all of your character's abilities. The chain attacks are some of the best attacks in the game. You can also perform surprise attacks that stun and delay your enemies to help buy you some time if you need to heal up or revive a fallen character. Lastly, magic is used based on the four elements: water, fire, earth, and wind.

A new aspect to combat is the Strategic Advise System. This system allows the characters to make suggestions while in battle that may aid you at defeating your enemies. These suggestions can be advice on what attacks to use or just advise about an enemy's weaknesses.

The biggest downfall to the battle system is that you have no control over where the characters go in the battlefield. Some moves and attacks only affect certain areas of the battlefield. This can get frustrating if your character decides to be on one side of the battlefield and you need them on the other side.

Some of the music featured in this game is a bit cheesy. The game can also drag a bit because character development is a bit linear. But the awesome combat system more than makes up for this... that and the fact that there is an epic and gripping story line. The cut scenes and environments are just gorgeous. Lastly, the voice acting is right on the mark ...for once.

Grandia III is available on Playstation 2. It has an ESRB rating of T for Teen. This is because the game features fantasy violence, mild language, and the use of alcohol. For those of you who like to see everything the game has to offer, a strategy guide is available.